Red Bull Salzburg head coach Matthias Jaissle has paid compliment to AC Milan after his side lost 4-0 at San Siro last night.
Both sides went into the game with a fairly simple equation before a ball was kicked: if Milan won or managed a draw then they would be in the Champions League last 16, while if Salzburg came out on top they would be the ones in the knockout stages.
However, the pre-match nerves were fairly quickly swept aside as Milan took a first half lead through Olivier Giroud’s header from a corner kick. The Frenchman then set up Rade Krunic to make it 2-0 not long after the break, then got a brace with a close range finish before feeding Junior Messias for his fourth goal contribution to round off the scoring.
Jaissle spoke to reporters at his post-match press conference to reflect on a difficult night for his team, taking the positives from the campaign overall in which they only lost two of six games, with his comments relayed by MilanNews.
Is there some satisfaction about securing Europa League football or disappointment over tonight’s 4-0?
“After the game there is a bit of disappointment, we wanted at least a point. But if we consider the whole group we are proud, we are the youngest team in the group and we have held up to the big players. So pride predominates and we are happy to be able to continue in Europe.”
What are Salzburg missing to grow further?
“The first half was good, we played our football in both phases. We had many moments in which we arrived in front of the goal. This game showed that we lack coolness, both in our area and in the opponent’s one. Milan have shown that they are better at this.”
How do you explain the change between the first and second half?
“After a good first half it was a shock to concede the second goal immediately, but commitment and passion were not lacking even in the second half. We always try to play attacking football, I am proud of my team.”
What are the differences between the first game and the return match?
“I am satisfied, for a team like Salzburg it is not obvious to be in Europe. Compared to the first leg I did not notice big differences, we came close to the advantage but I congratulate Milan who took advantage of their opportunities and overall won deservedly.”
Could this Salzburg have ambitions to win in the Europa League?
“I am looking forward to the draws with great interest, the Champions League has shown that we can keep up with the best in Europe but I am thinking of nothing else.”
What lessons can you draw from this competition?
“In games like this, what goes into the penalty area is decisive. For us it is still a reason for growth and I am satisfied from this point of view.”
much respect 👍